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    Man Utd outcast Brandon Williams ‘open to leaving on loan transfer’ after falling down pecking order at Old Trafford

    BRANDON WILLIAMS could leave Manchester United on loan before next week’s transfer deadline, according to reports.The full-back has made just one appearance for the Red Devils in the last 18 months.
    Brandon Williams shares a laugh in training with Raphael VaraneCredit: Getty
    Williams, 22, played 50 times for Man United under former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    He was loaned out to Norwich City at the start of last season in order to gather more first-team experience.
    The homegrown defender was relegated with the Canaries and returned to Old Trafford with an injury last summer.
    Williams previously backed up Luke Shaw at United, but Tyrell Malacia’s arrival last year pushed him further down the pecking order.
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    According to the Manchester Evening News, Williams is “open” to moving out on loan for the rest of the season.
    He has 18 months remaining on his Man United contract, with the Red Devils able to add another year.
    Life under Erik ten Hag got off to a difficult start for Williams, who missed out on an opportunity to impress the Dutchman on United’s summer tour of Thailand and Australia through injury.
    He was subsequently absent for the start of the season, but recovered in time to feature on the Red Devils’ mid-season trip to Spain during the World Cup.
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    Williams, 22, has made 51 appearances for Man United’s first teamCredit: Getty
    Ten Hag handed him his first appearance of the season during the 2-0 League Cup win over Burnley, bringing him on for the final five minutes.
    He was then an unused substitute for Prem matches against Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
    While in Spain with United last month, Williams reflected on his season so far.
    He told United’s club media: “Yeah, it’s been good. It’s been good to get back out on the pitch. I miss what I do.
    “Seeing the boys train, fly out to countries… Pre-season and stuff by myself it was hard and difficult.
    Norwich was a fantastic year for me personally, on and off the pitchBrandon Williams
    “But – thanks to the physios and my team-mates and the people behind the scenes who have helped me a lot, helped with my mentality, not just with my body as well – I feel good, I feel great and it’s good to be back now.”
    On his time out on loan, he added: “Norwich was a fantastic year for me personally, on and off the pitch. I learned a lot off the pitch because it’s so far away from home.
    “Everything’s in Manchester for me, but when I settled in I was fine, I was flying.
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    “I got an injury towards the end and then I got an injury which has kept me out now, so the start and the end part weren’t that good but the middle definitely helped me as a player.
    “It helped me off the pitch, on the pitch and I went there and I got what I wanted, which was game time.”
    The defender spent last season on loan at Norwich CityCredit: Alamy More

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    Man Utd transfer target Victor Osimhen’s move to Napoli from Lille being investigated with concerns over deal

    NAPOLI’S move for Victor Osimhen is set to be investigated by Italian authorities.The Serie A side signed the Nigerian from Lille in 2020 for a fee that could reach £70million including add-ons.
    Victor Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020Credit: Rex
    Juventus were slapped with a 15-point deduction last week after being accused of inflating transfer fees in dealings with other Italian clubs over three seasons to create millions of pounds in “capital gains” for tax purposes.
    According to Italian outlet Il Mattino, authorities now want to take a closer look at Napoli’s dealings.
    Under the microscope will be their signing of Osimhen, although the Naples prosecutor will require six months to complete their probe.
    In particular, investigators will consider the potential falsification of financial documents.
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    In Juventus’ case, prosecutors were able to use leaked phone conversations and email exchanges as evidence.
    This is not expected to be the case for other clubs.
    Osimhen, 24, has performed well since joining Napoli.
    His performances on the pitch have attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United.
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    The 6ft 1in forward has bagged 42 goals in 81 appearances for Napoli, also laying on 13 assists.
    He has enjoyed a particularly prolific campaign this time around, netting 13 goals in 15 Serie A games.
    Should Osimhen move to Man United this summer, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano expects them to have to pay a club record fee.
    He said: “My personal opinion is that Napoli will not accept anything less than £105m/£115m.”
    Juventus were slapped with a 15-point deduction last weekCredit: Rex More

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    Rio Ferdinand reveals biggest sign Arsenal played like ‘champs’ against Man Utd and responds to Piers Morgan jibes

    RIO FERDINAND believes Arsenal are champions-elect – thanks to their chilled-out response to falling behind early against Manchester United.The Old Trafford legend was awed by Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders showing “zero panic” in Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 win.
    Two-goal Eddie Nketiah and fellow scorer Bukayo Saka celebrate as Arsenal came from behind to lead 2-1 then pinch a 90th minute winnerCredit: Getty
    Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal have the confidence of championsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The ex-England defender initially had a dig at celebrity Arsenal fan Piers Morgan, who claimed Thomas Partey would dominate the “snowflakes” in United’s midfield.
    But Ferdinand then had no problem in agreeing Arsenal could be on course for their first Prem title since 2004.
    He told Gunners fan Joel Beya on his Five Youtube channel: “You lot played like champions.
    “I was sitting there watching it with my two sons.
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    “The biggest telling factor for me was when you went one down. There was zero panic.”
    Sun columnist Piers had predicted beforehand that all-action Partey would be too strong for his Red Devils’ counterparts.
    So Ferdinand was quick to note Marcus Rashford nutmegging the Ghana hero on the way to his brilliant 17th-minute breakthrough.
    Ferdy posted a clip of the England frontman’ s cheeky skill and chilling finish along with the taunt: “Close ya legs!”
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    In a follow-on post he added: “Ps @piersmorgan I’ve been seeing ur posts!”
    But after the Gunners revived for a deserved victory, TalkTV presenter Piers had the final word: “As I said he would, Partey bullied your snowflakes into submission…”

    Piers Morgan had the last laugh on Ferdinand as Arsenal wonCredit: Dan Charity More

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    Man Utd ‘looking to HIJACK Chelsea’s Malo Gusto transfer as they make contact with Lyon defender’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to hijack Chelsea’s transfer move for Lyon right-back Malo Gusto, according to reports.The 19-year-old is said to have agreed terms with the Blues and the West London club are in contact with Lyon.
    Man Utd would like to hijack Chelsea’s move for Malo GustoCredit: Getty
    Chelsea have offered the rising star a contract longer than five years and haven’t been shy with splashing the cash under owner Todd Boehly.
    Boehly has signed off on nearly £400million pounds worth of transfers since buying the club with £151m of that coming in this month alone.
    However, RMC Sport report that Man Utd are hoping to hijack Chelsea’s move for Gusto and have told the right-back to “not to rush” a decision.
    It is not clear whether United would make a late January move or hope that Gusto holds off on a mid-season switch in order to swoop in the summer.
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    The latter could be more likely if the words of director of football John Murtough are to be believed.
    Murtough said at a fans’ forum in December: “While we will be exploring options, I don’t expect it to be a busy January window.
    “January is a difficult time to find players that teams are willing to let go.
    “It’s no secret that we’re looking for a new centre-forward.
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    “We’ll see what’s possible in January but we only want to bring in players who are good enough, and who will make the squad stronger.
    “We’re not going to sign players for the sake of making signings.
    “You also need to remember that we invested over £200million in the squad last summer and, as a club, we need to remain financially disciplined and compliant with FFP rules.
    “As always, the main focus remains on the summer window, and we’re already well under way with our planning for next summer.”
    United did follow through on their pursuit of a new striker following the bitter departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
    The Old Trafford club made a cost-effective signing by loaning Burnley striker Wout Weghorst. More

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    Newcastle ‘hold talks over Scott McTominay transfer but face battle to convince Man Utd to agree to deal’

    NEWCASTLE have reportedly held talks with Manchester United over a shock January move for Scott McTominay.The Magpies are keen to add a midfielder to their squad to help sustain their top-four charge.
    Newcastle have held talks over a January transfer for Scott McTominayCredit: Getty
    Eddie Howe’s men sit third in the Premier League after 20 games.
    And, according to The Athletic, How thinks McTominay could help his side stay there.
    Talks over a January transfer have been held – but Man Utd are expected to turn down any formal offers.
    Toon were interested in McTominay in the summer, however a move did not materialise.
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    And summer 2023 transfer cannot be ruled out, if they don’t get him this month.
    Should McTominay join Newcastle’s exciting project, he would be a key part of Howe’s squad moving forward.

    The 26-year-old is having to settle for a squad role at Old Trafford following the big-money arrival of Casemiro from Real Madrid.
    Despite handing McTominay limited game time, manager Erik ten Hag says the Scotsman is a “great player” for the team.
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    Speaking on McTominay’s selection ahead of Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Arsenal, Ten Hag said: “I’m convinced this is the right solution, Scott can do the job, he’s a great player for our squad.
    “He’s a great player for this team and I think he’s also making a good development.
    “I had something in mind for where Fred could have played, a role like last week against City, but during the game, we can change if necessary.” More

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    Man Utd stars back in training just hours after Arsenal defeat as Erik ten Hag gets stars primed for fixture MAYHEM

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S players shrugged aside the incredible fixture jam awaiting them to train with the intensity that Erik ten Hag demands.Jadon Sancho as well as long-term crock Axel Tuanzebe took part – ahead of four games in ten days.
    Key midfielder Casemiro was back and buzzing in training after missing Man Utd’s 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on SundayCredit: Getty
    Brandon Williams and injury-hit fellow defender Axel Tuanzebe have struggled for game-time for different reasons under Erik ten HagCredit: Getty
    Harry Maguire leads Brandon Williams, Anthony Elanga and Tyrell Malacia as the Red Devils prepare for an amazing period of fixture congestionCredit: Getty
    Facundo Pellistri, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho go through their paces at Carrington Training GroundCredit: Getty
    In fact, United will have played ten matches in 32 days by February 26, starting with Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Nottingham Forest.
    Next come Saturday’s FA Cup home tie with Reading, the Forest return on February 1 and the Premier League visit of Crystal Palace three days later.
    Boss Ten Hag is unsure when Sancho, 22, will be back in contention following the England winger’s physical and psychological issues.
    But injury-plagued centre-back Tuanzebe, 25, did some light training two days before the first cup contest with Forest.
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    Casemiro too was a welcome sight for Ten Hag.
    The Brazilian anchorman was badly missed due to his one-game suspension as United suffered a late 3-2 loss at Arsenal on Sunday.
    That sparked fiery words from Ten Hag over the Red Devils’ lack of resilience in the closing minutes.
    The Dutchman said: “I am annoyed and I told the players if you want to win titles and medals, you have to change the mentality.
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    “We’ve already seen how the mentality of the players has changed over the last couple of months. But we have noticed that we still have a way to go to get to the top level.
    “They have to realise a game is only finished when the ref blows.”
    Just how tough United are will become much clearer by the end of next month.
    After opening with a four-game burst, they then have a double header with Leeds in the Prem on February 8 and 12, home then away.
    They visit Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday February 16, entertain Leicester in the Prem three days later and take on Barca again on February 23.
    Finally, three afternoons later, they meet Brentford in the Prem at Old Trafford – a return of the August 13 clash where the Bees led 4-0 after 35 minutes and won by the same scoreline. More

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    Man Utd transfer target Victor Osimhen to cost club-record fee as Napoli name staggering price for striker

    MANCHESTER UNITED could be forced to pay a club-record fee to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen.The 24-year-old Nigerian is enjoying an incredible season with the runaway Serie A leaders, scoring 13 goals in 15 games.
    Man Utd target Victor Osimhen could cost a club-record feeCredit: Rex
    Osimhen’s fine form has attracted interest from several top sides, with Arsenal and Newcastle interested.
    Big-spenders Chelsea are also in the market for a new striker.
    And Tottenham are reportedly keeping tabs on Osimhen as a possible replacement for Bayern Munich target Harry Kane.
    However, United lead chase in England after axing Cristiano Ronaldo.
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    Erik ten Hag wants a world-class No9 to lead his line next term, with loanee Wout Weghorst reportedly seen as just a short-term option.
    But Fabrizio Romano claims United will have to pay a club-record fee to the tune of £115million.
    Romano said: “My personal opinion is that Napoli will not accept anything less than £105m/£115m.”
    Osimhen is in his third season at Napoli following a £70m switch from Lille in 2020.
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    His strikes have helped Napoli open up a 12 point lead at the top of the Italian table.
    And Luciano Spalletti’s team are even dreaming of glory in Europe, with a last-16 Champions League tie against Eintracht Frankfurt on the horizon.
    Osimhen isn’t the only Napoli star on United’s radar though.
    The Red Devils are also being linked with centre-back Kim Min-Jae, who has been a revelation in defence since joining last summer.
    But Napoli’s prize asset remains new Georgian forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has seven goals and seven assists from the wing. More

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    Aston Villa confirm £18m Jhon Duran transfer from Chicago Fire and welcome new signing with brief statement

    ASTON VILLA have completed the £18million signing of highly-rated young striker Jhon Duran.The 19-year-old Colombia international joins on a long-term deal from MLS side Chicago Fire.
    Jhon Duran has completed his £18m Aston Villa move from Chicago FireCredit: @AVFCOfficial
    The Colombian attracted interest from Man Utd before joining VillaCredit: Getty
    He will wear the No22 shirt after becoming Unai Emery’s second January signing following Spanish left-back Alex Moreno.
    And Villa announced Duran’s arrival in a short-but-sweet statement on Monday afternoon.
    It read: “Aston Villa is delighted to confirm Jhon Duran has completed a permanent transfer from Chicago Fire for an undisclosed fee.
    “The 19-year-old striker joins Villa having scored eight goals for the MLS side in all competitions during the 2022 season.
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    “An exciting young talent, Duran has also represented Colombia at senior level. Welcome, Jhon!”
    Duran’s official arrival comes a week after Villa announced they had agreed a deal to sign the teenager.
    New boss Emery was on the hunt for a No9 after selling Danny Ings to West Ham.
    And Duran could make his debut in Saturday’s home derby against Leicester.
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    Villa saw off interest from several of England’s top sides to secure a deal, with SunSport revealing Man United’s interest in October.
    We also told you that Liverpool were keeping tabs on Duran, who scored eight goals in 28 games for Chicago.

    And big-spenders Chelsea were also looking at him as part of their ambitious youth project under Todd Boehly.
    Duran joined Chicago Fire in 2022 after agreeing a move from Colombian side Envigado a year earlier.
    He made his senior international debut in September against Guatemala and has gone on to earn a further two caps. More